CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
PROCLAIMING APRIL 2025 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in every community. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual abuse, harassment, and assault and educate communities about how to be involved in prevention; and
WHEREAS, This year’s SAAM campaign theme, Together We Act, United We Change, calls on each of us to work together to prevent sexual abuse, harassment, and assault. For anyone that experiences sexual violence, every community member is affected; and
WHEREAS, This campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding of sexual violence, amplifying the voices of survivors, and empowering us to work together to promote the safety and well-being of others; and
WHEREAS, Everyone in our communities deserves to live in safe and supportive environments where they are treated with respect. When our workplaces, schools, and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment; and WHEREAS, We believe all of our communities will be safer and stronger by making them more equitable for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, races and ethnic backgrounds, ages, faiths, and abilities; and
WHEREAS, Statistics show over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence in their lifetime and most women and men across all sexual identities who experienced contact sexual violence reported that the person who harmed them was someone they knew; and WHEREAS, It is important for all of us to care about sexual violence and take steps to promote the safety and well-being of others.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Stephen Zollman, Mayor, on behalf of the entire City Council proclaim the month of April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and as such we must strive to create strong, connected communities that take care of one another and make decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of others to end sexual violence
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 1st day of April, 2025.
Stephen Zollman
Mayor, City of Sebastopol